Moments Passed
For the first time in over half a decade, today was different. Of course, lots of things have been different over the last seven years, but today was special. Today marks the start of the second weekend in October, which in Missouri means the start of the high school speech & debate season. So, for the first time since 2005, today didn't bring a trip in a school bus with a bunch of high school debaters.
I'll be honest, I miss it. I know I will continue to miss it for a long time, because I love coaching debate. I love the energy of high school students, especially when they discover the joy of self-confidence. When a kid who has seen himself as shy his whole life comes back from his first event round with a huge smile because for the first time he caught a glimpse of what it is like to perform. When a young lady who has always been told that she wasn't that smart wins her first debate round and realizes that she is actually brilliant. Those are the moments that I lived for as a coach and the moments that I will sorely miss.
Today, the students who for so long were "my kids" headed off to the first tournament of the year - and I wasn't there to cheer them on or to give a pep talk after that round that just didn't go so well. So, I did what I could from 1,100 miles away. I wore my coaching hoodie in honor of the day. I got some of my friends here to take a photo wishing my kids the best. Most importantly, I said a prayer.
I didn't pray that "my kids" would win every round and I didn't pray that they would always remember me, or even that they would miss me today. I wanted to pray those things, but I didn't.
I prayed that all of the high school students that are stepping onto a school bus today for debate, no matter where, would find confidence. I prayed that these amazing young men and women would learn to love the art of debate - the art of discussing tough issues while still being friends. I prayed that "my kids" would be filled with peace and joy on this day, and that they might always remember these moments, because it won't be long before these days are nothing but a distant memory.
Friends, our lives are filled with moments passed. They come and go and we often don't even notice them passing by. So, the picture below - yes, it is for "my kids." But it is also for me and you. May we all find joy in this moment.
Peace.